BENTONVILLE — Mauricio Torres was sentenced to death Tuesday for the murder of his 6-year-old son.
He was also sentenced to 20 years in prison for first-degree battery.
Torres, 45, of Bella Vista was found guilty Monday of capital murder and first-degree battery.
The jury began deliberating Tuesday on Torres’ punishments. He faced either death or life imprisonment without the benefit of parole for capital murder. Torres faced from five to 20 years in prison for the battery conviction.
Circuit Judge Brad Karren sent the jury from the courtroom at 11:01 a.m. to begin their deliberations.
Torres was found guilty of killing his 6-year-old son. Maurice Isaiah Torres died March 30, 2015, at a Bella Vista hospital. A medical examiner testified that the boy’s death was caused by a bacteria infection as result of being sodomized with a stick. The medical examiner also testified that chronic child abuse contributed to Isaiah’s death.
Read Wednesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.
